THE UNKNOWNS

NO PART OF THE FOLLOWING
MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT
PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR ©

These items have surfaced during research but not enough
information was available. They are included here in the
hope that someone will be able to shed some light on them
and they can take their proper place in Closed Canadian Parks.

ONTARIO

Fighting Island

Unknown Park Name
(1909 ? - ?)

    After the failure of Fighting Island and Golden Gate parks (both discussed in Golden Gate Park), a July 1909 newspaper article in the "Detroit News Tribune" stated that Edward Britton of Pittsburg wished to revive the area. He had rented land around the hotel and had applied for a liquor permit. He said the area had not been properly run before, and that he planned to expand the operation. Nothing further has been found to say what happened. Does anyone know of any park or amusements which came about from this?

Toronto

Unknown Location
(? - ?)

    In 1925 and/or 1926, one or possibly two coasters were erected somewhere in Toronto. Joe Heflin's list of Harry Traver rides states that in 1926 a "Jazz Railway" model may have been erected. The 1991 Roller Coaster Directory states that in 1925 a "Swaying Bobs" coaster was built by John Miller somewhere in Toronto.

    Although it sounds as if these are two different coasters, they may be one in the same if Traver Engineering subcontracted Miller to build their coaster. However, there is considerable difference between Miller or Traver (Church-designed) "Bobs" models and Traver's "Jazz Railway" models.

    There is also a possibility that Traver and Miller were competing for the same contract and that Miller won out. Thus, the wording that a Traver coaster "MAY have been erected in Toronto". Research continues.

Sandwich

Unknown Park
(1925 - ?)

    A May 27, 1925 article in the Detroit News states that a new park would be built at Sandwich. Property had been bought by a company that wanted to build a beer garden with a capacity of several thousand. Along with it was to be built curling & skating ice rinks, a dance hall and salt & fresh water swimming pools. Also mentioned are "scenic railways" which likely refers to roller coasters. Over 400 meters of river frontage were included in the purchase. The park was expected to be ready later that summer. There is no word if that park was ever opened.

UNKNOWN PROVINCE

Unknown Park or Location (? - ?)
    In his catalog of blueprints, Andy Brown (John Miller's main engineer), reports that Miller constructed a "Dips" coaster in Paul, Canada. It was likely built sometime in the second two decades of the 20th century. No other details are given. Does anyone know where this community was/is located?

UNKNOWN CITY

Unknown Park or Location (? - ?)
    The March 17, 1958 issue of Billboard magazine states that John Collins of London, England, identified as the builder of the Battersea Park Coaster, would be building a roller coaster. It might have been destined for Belmont Park in Montreal. The ride was expected to open in the middle of the 1958 season.

    The only coaster installed in that park in 1958 was a Conklin imported "Wild Mouse". It was a concession for at least two seasons, run by Conklin. Since there is no word of any other coaster going into Belmont at that time, maybe it went elsewhere; but where? Was it actually at Belmont for a time? Did it go to some other Montreal Park? Was the project instead cancelled, perhaps because Conklin stepped in and offered the "Mouse" ride at his risk as a concession? Or might Collins have been the builder hired by Conklin to erect The "Wild Mouse"?

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